Proposed Class Action Seeks to Halt New Refugee Policies

Legal Action Against Trump Administration’s Refugee Policies

The Trump administration is facing a proposed class action lawsuit. The suit aims to stop policies affecting green card applications for refugees. These policies freeze applications and subject some refugees to additional scrutiny.

The lawsuit was filed by six refugee organizations and four individual refugees in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. It challenges three policies from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

• Indefinite hold on refugee applications for lawful permanent residence
• Re-vetting of refugees admitted during Biden’s administration
• Reducing response time for termination notice from 30 days to 10 days

The plaintiffs claim these policies violate federal immigration law and due-process rights. They seek emergency relief, including a temporary stay on the 10-day termination rule.

Specific Requests from the Plaintiffs

The plaintiffs want the court to pause the three policies during the litigation. They also seek to certify a nationwide class for refugees who had not adjusted to lawful permanent resident status by October 14, 2026. This group is estimated to include tens of thousands of people.

Individuals in the lawsuit include:

• Lida A.: An Afghan refugee in Massachusetts
• Abdi B.: An Ethiopian refugee in Minnesota
• Julio C.: A Colombian refugee in Texas dependent on Medicaid for HIV medication
• Firas D.: An Iraqi refugee in Texas persecuted due to sexual orientation

Six organizations join the lawsuit, including Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans and HIAS. They argue a USCIS memorandum enacted in November 2025 unfairly places pending green card applications on hold for refugees admitted in specific years.

USCIS and DHS Policy Changes

DHS estimates approximately 113,000 refugees have pending applications. USCIS data shows a stark drop in processed applications, declining from 17,569 in early 2025 to 121 in the same period for other cases.

The policy changes expand on refugee measures enacted under President Trump’s administration, including an executive order halting the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. These omnibus changes impact the path to residency, making it more challenging and uncertain.

Operation PARRIS Overview

Operation PARRIS was introduced in January. It focuses on re-verifying refugees who lack green cards, targeting 5,600 individuals initially. Some were arrested and taken to Texas for additional processing. A court order blocked refugee detentions based on their unadjusted status.

Changes implemented in October reduced notice response time for possible termination of refugee status. DHS argues this change aims to enhance immigration system integrity and reduce security risks. Plaintiffs assert this shortened timeline is insufficient for gathering necessary documentation and legal support.